Hyperion Catalysis International is working on pilot programs to move its carbon nanotube concentrates into polypropylene and fluoropolymers.
The Cambridge, Mass., firm already has commercialized nanotubes in concentrates based on nylon, PET, polycarbonate and other specialty resins. Developmental programs for polyethylene, ABS and epoxies are in the works, automotive market specialist Andrew Rich said at Thermoplastic Concentrates in New Orleans.
The nanotubes can fill up 15-20 percent of content in some concentrates and improve electrical properties and surface smoothness in auto parts and other uses. Each Fibril-brand nanotube is 10 nanometers wide and 10,000 nanometers long. To put those numbers in perspective, a human hair is 50,000 nanometers wide.